DUBOIS — When Dianna Helt lost her son, Paul Bair Jr., in 2011 to suicide, she was consumed with grief. But as time went on, she felt a desire to help others who were suffering a similar kind of grief.

Helt is the Chapter Products Officer of the Jefferson County A.B.A.T.E. of PA, Chapter No. 14, District 5, which stands for "Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education."

A.B.A.T.E. is an organization of motorcyclists dedicated to the protection of the individual rights of motorcyclists through political change, public education and charitable works.

It is through this organization that Helt is holding the 2nd Annual Suicide Prevention Ride on Saturday, Aug. 3.

This is the second year that the organization will hold the bike ride, from which all proceeds will go to the Clearfield/Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Team, Inc.

"This was my way of healing and helping others heal," said Helt.
The Clearfield/Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Team, Inc. is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness and prevention by offering programs to the community.

They also provide intervention and post-vention training to the community.

The bike ride will start at the DuBois American Legion Post No. 17, with registration taking place between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. and the ride starting at 10:45 a.m.

The ride will be approximately 100 miles, with stops at The Forest Way Inn, Brookville; Vince's Tavern, Leeper; Ray's Hot Spot, Marienville; Toby Hill Bar and Grill, Clarion; and back to the DuBois American Legion Post No. 17.

A free ride bandana will be provided by the Clearfield/Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Team, Inc.

"Last year, we gave out over 100 bandanas," said Helt.

The cost is $10 per rider, all street legal vehicles are welcome and the event will be held rain or shine.

After the ride the Jefferson County A.B.A.T.E. of PA, Chapter No. 14 will hold its Annual Summer Chapter Pig Roast.

The location for the pig roast will be provided during registration. Helt said that anyone from the ride is welcome to attend.

For non-chapter members, the cost is $5 per person and everyone is asked to please bring a covered dish or dessert to share.